Abstract: An accessory mating system for mating a print engine to an accessory may include a pin and a pin receiving detent. The pin has a collar having a pin vertical axis datum surface and a shaft extending from the collar. The shaft provides left-right axis datum surfaces and second opposite sides providing fore-aft axis datum surfaces. The pin receiving detent receives the pin. The pin receiving detent may include a detent perimeter providing a detent vertical axis datum surface, first opposite internal sides providing first detent left-right axis datum surfaces facing the pin left-right axis datum surfaces and second opposite internal sides providing detent fore-aft axis datum surfaces.

Abstract: In a printing system capable of selectively performing duplex printing and simplex printing, a switching unit switches a sheet travel path between a first path and a second path parallel to each other, and reverses the sides of a sheet that passes along the first path. In the duplex printing, a sheet is printed on a first side by a first printing apparatus, reversed by the switching unit, and printed on a second side reverse of the first side by a second printing apparatus. In the simplex printing, only one side of a sheet is printed by the first printing apparatus and/or second printing apparatus. First and second input units introduce sheets into the first and second paths, respectively; and first and second output units receive printed sheets that have traveled along the first and/or second paths.

Abstract: In a printing system capable of selectively performing duplex printing and simplex printing, a first input unit and a second input unit are adjacent to each other. A first output unit and a second output unit are adjacent to each other. In duplex printing, a sheet supplied from the first input unit is printed on a first side thereof in a first printing apparatus and the traveling direction thereof is changed at a changing unit while the sheet is reversed, and then the sheet is printed on a second side thereof in a second printing apparatus and output to the second output unit. In simplex printing, a sheet supplied from the first or second input unit is printed on one side thereof and the traveling direction thereof is changed at the changing unit, and then the sheet is output to the first or second output unit.

Abstract: A media processing device and control method for a media processing device enable accurately setting and detecting the home position of a carriage without using a dedicated sensor. Scales 56, 62 having a plurality of wide slits 65 formed at equal intervals and a narrow slit 66 at one end 56A, 62A are disposed parallel to carriage shafts 53, 60. Carriage sensors 55, 61 scan the scales 56, 62 while the carriages 52, 58 move bidirectionally, and detect the wide slits 65 and the narrow slits 66. To initialize the carriages 52, 58, the carriages 52, 58 are moved specific distance L away from the one end 56A, 62A, and the carriages 52, 58 are then reversed and moved until the carriage sensors 55, 61 detect the narrow slits 66. The home position HP is set based on where the narrow slit 66 is detected.

Abstract: A printer has a platen gap adjustment mechanism that can hold the platen gaps of two print heads substantially constant. A check processing device has a front print head unit on which are disposed a front print head, a first media transportation roller, and a back platen; a platen lever unit on which a second media transportation roller and front platen are disposed, and which can move toward and away from the first media transportation roller; a lever tension spring that urges the platen lever unit toward the first media transportation roller, and presses the second media transportation roller to the first media transportation roller; a back print head unit on which a back print head is disposed, and which can move toward and away from the first media transportation roller; and an unit tension spring that presses the back print head unit to the platen lever unit.

Abstract: A print apparatus is supplied that feeds continuous paper with suppressing its swelling caused by perforations or crease. In the print apparatus, a platen is furnished opposite to a printing section; a medium support member is furnished capable of changing an interval from the platen and supports a record medium toward the platen; and a medium support auxiliary member is furnished on the opposite side to the platen in the medium support member, and when the medium support member is made to separate from the platen, the medium support auxiliary member is made to protrude from the medium support member.

Abstract: A cover for posts, bollards, and the like, includes an integral or attached cigarette receptacle. A sleeve for covering a post includes an open bottom, a closed top, and an outer sidewall, and a cigarette receptacle attached to the sidewall of the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably cylindrical. The sleeve has a height in the range of two to 10 feet and an inner diameter in the range of 2 to 10 inches. The sleeve may be plastic, and may feature a hemispherically shaped top. The cigarette receptacle may be temporarily or permanently attached to the sidewall of the sleeve. The cigarette receptacle preferably includes a lower portion and an upper, removable cap. The cigarette receptacle may be plastic with an inner, non-flammable liner, or may be composed of metal. The cigarette receptacle preferably includes a small hole into which cigarettes are placed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags, includes first and second web printer/web feeders, each adapted to advance and print first and second webs from a first and second roll of serrated bags respectively, the first and second web printer/web feeders including a first and second printer, and a first and second set of nip rollers respectively; first and second accumulator guide plates located downstream of the first and second printers; a set of dispensing nip rollers located downstream of the first and second accumulator guide plates; a web accumulation area; a web sensor for sensing an end of the first or second web; a first and second seal sensing device; a dispensing guide plate located downstream of the web sensor; and a bag handling mechanism for advancing a leading bag to a bag loader.

Abstract: A printer has transportation paths for conveying media in two directions, including a first transportation path P1 and a second transportation path P2 (or third transportation path P3) perpendicular to the first transportation path P1. The printer is constructed and configured to provide a single compact unit that can be used for media processing by reading and printing the media, as well as for printing receipts and validation printing.

Abstract: A dual-purpose printer for printing receipts and validating forms is provided. The printer comprises a receipt drive roller for driving paper through a receipt path, a dual-purpose roller capable of contacting the drive roller, and a validation idler roller adapted to be brought into and out of engagement with the dual-purpose roller. The receipt path is formed between the receipt drive roller and the dual-purpose roller. A validation path is formed between the validation idler roller and the dual-purpose roller. Rotation of the receipt drive roller in a first direction enables driving of paper through the receipt path. When the validation idler roller is in engagement with the dual-purpose roller, rotation of the dual-purpose roller in the first direction enables discharging of a form from the validation path.

Abstract: A printer 1 has transportation paths for conveying media in two directions, that of a first transportation path P1 and that of a second transportation path P2 (or third transportation path P3) perpendicular to the first transportation path P1. With this printer 1 a single compact unit can be used for media processing by reading and printing the media, as well as for printing receipts and validation printing.

Abstract: There is provide a reading/recording apparatus capable of ensuring that a reading device and a recording device do not collide when the apparatus is miniaturized to thereby protect the reading unit and the recording unit by having the reading device and the recording device share a moving space on a shared conveying path used as both a conveying path for an original and a conveying path for a recording sheet. The original is conveyed to a reading position on the shared conveying path. The reading unit is freely movable between the reading position and a reading standby position away from the reading position, and reads an image of the original at the reading position. The recording medium is conveyed to a recording position on the shared conveying path.

Abstract: A copier comprising rolled paper accommodation units in which the rolled papers are installed, paper feed rollers and paper conveying rollers for conveying the papers delivered from the rolled papers along a paper conveying passage, a cutter and an image-forming means. A plurality of conveyance reference positions are set in the transfer region in a direction of conveying width so as to be corresponded to the sizes in the direction of conveying width of the papers passing through the transfer region of the image-forming means. The rolled papers are installed in the rolled paper accommodation units correspondingly to the conveyance reference positions.

Abstract: A printer 1 has transportation paths for conveying media in two directions, that of a first transportation path P1 and that of a second transportation path P2 (or third transportation path P3) perpendicular to the first transportation path P1. With this printer 1 a single compact unit can be used for media processing by reading and printing the media, as well as for printing receipts and validation printing.

Abstract: There is provided a reading/recording apparatus which is capable of properly conveying originals during original reading operation, even if there exists a state where a recording medium conveying device shares the same space with an original conveying path. A shared conveying path has at least part thereof used as both a conveying path for an original and a conveying path for a recording medium. The original is conveyed on the shared conveying path, where an image of the original is read. The read image is recorded on the recording medium at a recording position on the shared conveying path. A recording medium conveying device is movable between a sharing state where the recording medium conveying device shares a space with the conveying path for the original and a non-sharing state where the recording medium conveying device does not share the space with the conveying path for the original, and conveys the recording medium on the shared conveying path.

Abstract: A system and a method to control the motion of envelopes within a postage printing module to accommodate the use of slower print techniques and to achieve continuous high speed throughput in a mail processing system. At least two print heads in series are utilized to ensure continuous printing operation, even when a print head must be taken out of service for maintenance, or fails. Depending on which print head is in used, different sets of transport elements in the print module are used to affectuate the motion profile appropriate for the print head that is in operation. Based on the status of the print heads, a controller selectively groups different individual transport elements together to act in unison for the motion control. Print heads may be geared to operate in synchronism with the motion of the print transport.

Abstract: A system and a method to control the motion of envelopes within a postage printing module to accommodate the use of slower print techniques and to achieve high throughput in a mail processing system. The system transports envelopes according to a motion profile in which the envelope is decelerated from a transport velocity to a slower printing velocity. After the printing operation has been completed, the envelope is accelerated back to the transport velocity and transferred to a downstream module. None of the intervals of deceleration, low print velocity, or acceleration may occur while an envelope in the postage printing module is also in the control of another module. The print head is geared to operate in synchronism with the print transport. Further, upon the occurrence of an error condition, such as a jam, the print transport is decelerated to a stop in such a manner as to preserve the spacing between subsequent envelopes to be the same as if no error condition had occurred.

Abstract: When images in the order of photographing are printed on papers being conveyed in parallel, the images are allotted to each paper such that the order of an image to be printed in a predetermined order from the leading end of the paper closer to a tray is one smaller than that of the other paper, and the order of images to be printed on each paper gradually increase by twos toward the tail end of each paper. The papers cut with a cutting unit after each image is printed are conveyed with a conveyor belt and piled on the tray in the order of photographing.

Abstract: Two paper trays 11, 12 are disposed in such a manner that they are superimposed on top of each other in the vertical direction, a first paper feed roller 13 for feeding out paper from the upper-side paper tray 11 is disposed backwardly of and obliquely upwardly of a second paper feed roller 14 with respect to a direction in which the paper is fed out, and the upper-side paper tray 11 is disposed backwardly of and adjacently to the second paper feed roller 14. The sheets of paper fed out from the upper- and lower-side paper trays are delivered along the upper or lower surface of the second paper feed roller 14 and a are then fed into a common registration roller 10 without providing a delivery roller on the way. A holder 18 for supporting a handling member 16 to be contacted with the second paper feed roller 14 is supported by the paper tray 12 and can be retreated downwardly when pulling out the paper tray 12.

Abstract: A cabinet is formed on the top face with an entry opening for rolled paper, and a storage section for accommodating the rolled paper. A cover is provided for opening/closing the entry opening, and the upper front of the cover is provided as a slipsheet entry face for inserting a slipsheet. The slipsheet entry face is formed in one side margin with a slipsheet guide along the insertion direction of the slipsheet. A paper discharge slot of the rolled paper is formed by a gap between a buff portion of the cabinet and the tip of the cover, when the cover is closed. The paper discharge slot is at a position lower than that of the slipsheet entry face. A slipsheet print section is placed on the upper rear portion of the cover.

Abstract: An inkjet printer, and method of assembling the printer, for printing an image on a first receiver of a first size and on a second receiver of a second size. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first receiver is fed in a first direction and the second receiver is fed in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The printer includes an ink jet print head movable in the first direction to print the image on the first receiver in one printing pass and movable to-and-fro in the first direction for printing the image on the second receiver in at least one printing swath. Thus, printing on differently sized receivers is obtained without reorienting the receivers or changing-out the print head to a different size print head.

Abstract: A printing assembly (10) having a printer (30) and a single sheet transport mechanism (22) for automatically transporting discrete sheets seriatim from within a tray held in a tray receptacle (32) to the printer and a discrete sheet load enhancement apparatus with a holder (24) of an auxiliary supply of printable stock (18), a removable open tray (20) with a feed opening (40) accessible for receipt of discrete sheets (14) of printable stock fed within the feed opening while releasably mounted within the tray receptacle and a continuous discrete sheet feeder and producer (16) for automatically feeding the sheets (14) seriatim from the separate supply of printable stock (18) through the feed opening (40) into the removable open tray (20).

Abstract: A removable roll-feed apparatus that is removably attachable to a printer/plotter. Inexpensive printer/plotters will have the option of the attachment of a simple, but yet reliable, roll-feed apparatus which is easily attached to the printer/plotter without requiring any special training or dexterity on the part of an operator. Datum points and surfaces are provided to locate the printer/plotter in the X, Y and Z-directions, and when the roll-feed apparatus is attached to the printer/plotter, an operator will have the option of feeding the printer/plotter with roll media or single sheet media. Having the roll-feed apparatus attached to the printer/plotter does not restrict single sheet feeding. The roll-feed apparatus also provides a media self-alignment feature and a simple, but effective, hand-operated cutting apparatus to separate completed plots from the printer/plotter.

Abstract: A printing system for producing a print job, the printing system including a print engine for imaging regular substrates, fed to the print engine from a regular substrate feeding apparatus and delivering the imaged regular substrates to an output; and a duplexer operatively coupled to the print engine having a first path for feeding imaged regular substrates to the print engine for duplex printing, the duplexer having a second, sheet insertion, path for feeding special sheets to the output of imaged regular substrates.

Abstract: In a paper feeding method and an apparatus therefor, papers are selectively fed to a paper-processing station through at least two paper guide paths. The respective papers fed through the paper guide paths are monitored to determine whether or not a double feeding of the papers has occurred, and when a double feeding of the papers is detected, an alarm warning of the occurrence of a double feeding of the papers is raised.

Abstract: A gaming device is shown having a controller that controls the operation of the gaming device and a printer that records events on paper in response to the controller. A first magazine is provided for holding fan folded paper to be input to the feed mechanism of the printer and a second magazine is positioned relative to the paper output of the printer to receive a printed record on at least a portion of the paper output from the printer. A third magazine is provided for holding a third supply of fan folded paper wherein an end of the paper in the first magazine is attached to an end of the paper held in the second magazine so that when paper in one magazine is depleted, paper in the other magazine is automatically input to the printer's input feed mechanism.

Abstract: A printer including a printing section capable of printing on both continuous sheet and cut sheet paper, including a printer housing containing the printing section, a pivot shaft being provided to the printer housing; a continuous sheet supplier for supplying continuous sheet to the printing section; an automatic sheet supply mechanism supported by the pivot shaft and pivotable between a cut-sheet supply position, for supplying one cut sheet at a time to the printing section, and a separation position, for separating the automatic sheet supply mechanism from the continuous sheet supplier and for providing an open space therebetween; and a fixing shaft and fixing lever for fixing the automatic sheet supply mechanism in the separation position.

Abstract: A printer capable of printing selectively on cut sheets and webs, wherein feed paths along which the cut sheets and webs are fed by respective feeding devices are selected depending upon the type of the recording medium. The sheet driving device may include a sheet inlet through which a cut sheet is manually inserted, an automatic sheet feeder for delivering cut sheets from a sheet stacker, and a sheet feeding mechanism for feeding the cut sheet which is manually inserted or the cut sheets which are successively delivered from the automatic sheet feeder. A power transmitting mechanism and a power shut-off mechanism are provided to transmit a drive force from a single drive source to the appropriate one or ones of the web feeding device, automatic sheet feeder and sheet feeding mechanism.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, includes an: image recording device for recording an image on a recording medium, a conveying device for conveying the recording medium, and a cutter for cutting the recording medium. A detecting device is provided for detecting an amount of movement of the cutter, a control circuit is included for causing a leading edge of the recording medium to be retracted from a cutting position by a predetermined amount in response to the detection by the detecting device after the recording medium has been cut.

Abstract: A printer includes an outer case housing a printing head and a platen and being provided with a paper sheet introducing opening. A paper sheet introducing guide is mounted on the outer case to guide a paper sheet introduced into the introducing opening to a position adjacent to the platen. A paper sheet intermediate guide is mounted within the outer case to guide the paper sheet from the distal end of the introducing guide to a gap between the platen and the printing head. A paper sheet auxiliary guide extends from the intermediate guide to the upper surface of the distal end portion of the introducing guide.

Abstract: A plurality of micro medium feed mechanisms are provided at different locations in a printer and are all driven by a single step motor through a plurality of clutches and are selectively capable of feeding several different types of mediums, e.g., a sheet medium, a card medium or a rolled medium, i.e., feeding each such medium independently of the another presented via different inlets to the printer for each different type of medium. The step motor, therefore, functions as the sole driving source for a multiple medium handling type printer thereby providing a less expensive micro printer which is capable of incrementally feeding multiple different kinds of medium types in the same printer wherein printing can be accomplished from the very top edge to the very bottom edge of the fed medium due to the particular locations of the micro medium feed mechanisms in the micro printer.

Abstract: A printer capable of selective printing of a relatively narrow uncut sheet or a relatively wide cut sheet has a paper feeding apparatus for such selective printing. The paper feeding apparatus includes an uncut sheet feeding mechanism for feeding the uncut sheet from a roll of the uncut sheet to a gap formed between a printing head and a platen, and a cut sheet feeding mechanism for feeding the cut sheet to a gap between the printing head and the uncut sheet on the platen. The uncut sheet feeding mechanism and the cut sheet feeding mechanism are selectively driven to feed either the uncut sheet or the cut sheet.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for automatically handling envelopes and paper sheets, the mechanism having an input window for receiving the envelopes and paper sheets. The mechanism comprises a first tray for holding a stack of paper sheets and is mountable in the window. A second tray is provided for holding a stack of envelopes and is also mountable in the window. A roller system is positioned to selectively engage the topmost sheet of the stack of sheets in the first tray or a bottommost envelope of the stack of envelopes in the second tray and to feed either the topmost sheet or the bottommost envelope, as the case may be.

Abstract: A printer for printing data on an original slip and on a copy slip in which both are dropped into a guide chute. Feed and pinch rollers having a higher degree of friction that the friction between the slips tend to drive both slips along the chute and past an ink jet printer. However, a brake initially prevents rotation of the pinch roller and thus retains one of the slips while the other slip is advanced past the printer, at which time the brake is released to enable the feed roller to advance the remaining slip past the printer.

Abstract: The slip issuing apparatus comprises a support or a container for supporting or containing plural kinds of slips having different slip widths, separately; a printing device having a printing head for determining each printing range of the printing head according to each specified kind of slip and for printing predetermined data on the specified slip within each determined printing range; a conveying device for supplying a specified slip out of the slips to the printing device; and another conveying device for conveying the slip printed by the printing device to an outlet. Since the printing range can be changed according to slip widths, it is possible to print slips of plural kinds with a single printing device and to discharge the printed slips to a single outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a printing apparatus for use in a cash register or the like, in which a receipt sheet and a journal sheet are disposed in parallel to each other on a platen that defines a print line and a movable printing body including a printing head which reciprocates along the platen to perform its printing operation selectively on the receipt and journal sheets in regions respectively facing these sheets. The line-feeding operation of the receipt sheet is controlled to be carried out when the printing head is located at least partially in the region facing the receipt sheet, whereby the line-feeding of the receipt sheet can be performed without interfering with the movement of the movable printing body.

Abstract: A paper feed apparatus includes a plurality of guide ribs formed on a printer top cover disposed above a platen, the guide ribs being aligned along the axial direction of the platen, and a discharge roller is arranged between each pair of the guide ribs. Each discharge roller has its outer peripheral surface slightly extending toward corresponding guide ribs with respect to guide surfaces of these ribs and cooperating with the ribs to hold the printing paper. When the discharge rollers are driven in synchronism with rotation of the platen, the printing sheets are fed at a speed slightly higher than the paper feed speed of the platen. Therefore, the plurality of printing sheets can be simultaneously fed without causing a deviation therebetween.

Abstract: A printer includes a first paper feed passage extending from the rear of a platen to a printing position through the lower part of the platen, and a second paper feed passage extending from substantially just under the printing position to the printing position. A first pinch roller is disposed on the way to the first paper feed passage for pressing a first paper against the platen. The first paper is fed by rotating the platen. A second pinch roller is disposed on the way to the second paper feed passage for pressing the second paper against the platen. Rotation of the platen causes the second paper to be fed. In addition, a paper insertion device includes a flat part for placing a paper thereon and a slit for converting the advance direction of a paper from horizontal to vertical. With the second paper placed on the flat part and inserted into the printer, the paper is directed upwardly by a curved surface defining the slit and is allowed to enter the second paper feed passage with ease for further advance.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a printer mechanism including a printhead comprises first and second print medium drive means for feeding first and second print mediums past the printhead, a main drive gear rotatable in a first direction for driving the first print medium drive means and rotatable in a second direction for driving the second print medium drive means, selectively engageable drive means alternately engageable with the first and second print medium drive means for driving the first print medium drive means in a first direction when the main drive gear is rotated in the first direction and driving the second print medium drive means in a second direction when the main drive gear is rotated in the second direction and locking means for locking the first print medium drive means when the main drive gear is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: A printer comprises a first paper feed passage extending from the rear of a platen to a printing position through the lower part of the platen, and a second paper feed passage extending from substantially just under the printing position to the printing position. A first pinch roller is disposed on the way to the first paper feed passage for pressing a first paper against the platen. The first paper is fed by rotating the platen. A second pinch roller is disposed on the way to the second paper feed passage for pressing the second paper against the platen. Rotation of the platen here causes the second paper to be fed. In addition, a paper insertion device according to the present invention includes a flat part for placing a paper thereon and a slit for converting the advance direction of a paper from horizontal to vertical.

Abstract: A printer for performing recording successively while a recording head moves backwards and forwards in a predetermined direction with respect to a recording medium such as paper. A paper hold roller for pressing the recording medium against a platen in the vicinity of a recording area opposite to a print head is detachable from the platen in relation to the movement of a carriage for carrying the recording head. The presence and absence of paper is detected to control the paper feed. An ink ribbon is provided which has color zones and an ink absorption zone in the direction of the ribbon width for multi-color printing by shifting the ribbon in the width direction by means of the carriage movement so that a selected color zone faces the recording head. The printer further includes a ribbon cassette, means for controlling paper insertion and feeding and means for cleaning the recording head. Also included are a paper bail control, color zone selector and paper detector.

Abstract: A dual station printer mechanism (10) including a first feed roller (22), a second feed roller (24), drive means (16) having an output shaft (20) for driving the first and second feed rollers (22, 24) and coupling means in the form of one-way clutches (34, 36) for selectively coupling and decoupling the first and second feed rollers (22, 24) from the output shaft of the drive means. Mechanism (10) further preferably includes a first pressure roller (68) normally biased against first feed roller (22) and a second pressure roller (80) normally biased against second feed roller (24) for enabling effective movement of first and second data carriers respectively therebetween to a position between a printhead 70 and a print bar 72 at which printing occurs.

Abstract: Several guide channels (6, 7) for respectively one paper web are arranged in a fan shape, these channels being oriented toward the nip (5) of a pair of feed rolls (1) of a printing device (2, 3) and each being equipped with a gripper (8, 9). In the rest position, each gripper (8, 9) is in contact with a web of paper, and the free ends of the paper webs have a spacing from the nip (5). The gripper (9) for the paper web to be printed advances the latter until it has entered the nip (5) of the rotating pair of rolls (1), then releases the web, and initially remains in its position (8). The pair of rolls (1) further conveys the paper web first into its printing position, after the printing step into its cutting position, and after cutting again in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A shared document feed station includes a common drive mechanism for normally advancing a receipt tape through a receipt tape zone and for selective operation to advance an alternative document through an alternative document zone. Document detectors sense the presence of a document in the alternative document zone and function to inhibit the drive mechanism from advancing the receipt tape while enabling the advance of the alternative document.

Abstract: A stepping motor drives an input shaft in a predetermined clockwise or counterclockwise direction and a pressure roller shaft is movable into engagement with rollers on the input shaft. The center roller of the input shaft is movable out of engagement with the center roller of the pressure shaft to permit driving of journal paper in a first direction, form paper in either a first or a second direction dependent upon the direction of rotation of the input shaft and journal paper along with form paper in the first direction.